Al Stewart and "Year Of The Cat"

British singer-songwriter Al Stewart discusses his journey to creating the 1976 hit single "Year of the Cat" and performs on stage. Stewart released 16 studio and three live albums and is considered a key figure in British music. Subscribe to The Acorn’s channel: bit.ly/344rhcC
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Audio/Video recording and editing by Evan Margol.

[@negrin-yehuda]

One of the best song ever

[@armondbalayan6620]

His voice hasn't changed in almost 50 years.

[@thomascovenant665]

This song evokes so many wonderful memories of being a child of the 70's... Love it!

[@bradman1100]

I was an Australian on holidays in Kansas in December 1976. Got stuck at a railway crossing where one of those mile long freights slowly rumbled through. I turned the radio on, and this song started to play. I had nothing else to do but listen. Now, I still love it, and am always grateful to that long slow freight - 45 years later

[@toober4013]

"Song On The Radio"...

[@maryjvanderwerken3192]

Luv this as much as the very first time I ever heard it. Thinking of my late dear friend Tiggy 💙. 🐈☺🎶💙🎶

[@ahmadhassounmusic6053]

The same happened to me yesterday , thanks god my songs radar was on and it capture it and i googled it and become a fan of his songs Love from Syria

[@MeaHeaR]

Onyâ Kôbblêřż 👍 ✔ 💩 💩 👍 ✔ 💩 👍 💩 👍 ✔

[@markdickenson1338]

A magnificent song that tells a story that is timeless and is do well crafted and almost perfect - from the first time I heard it as a late teenager to this day (Oct 2023) I never tire off it's magic ❤

[@plenzmeier75]

Dudes 76 and still sounds the same as he did back in the 70s. Unbelievable!

[@JK-g62]

He does...but this song is MISSING the sax for god sakes! As a sax player of decades...this had one of the most epic sax solos EVER. 🎷🎷🎷

[@nojunkwork5735]

@@JK-g62 You are right, without that tasty sax the song just doesn't sound right.

[@markturner5207]

Sorry but no he doesn’t sound the same. He struggles with all the high notes. His voice is noticeably weaker.

[@sirwinston2368]

@@markturner5207 His voice is certainly not the same as 1976, but all things considered he's doing alright. I don't think he struggles. I am sure he is aware he can't hit all the notes so he does what he can, and he enjoys himself. Exactly as it should be. Time passages....

[@markturner5207]

@ the original statement was “he sounds the same as he did in the 70’s” give me a break, he is wore out and should retire.

[@marlonfranco7430]

Im glad that he's still alive and singing this beautiful song .......still sound the same

[@antoniocld]

I have a story about this song: I had a girlfriend we had a couple of dates, and the last time we stayed together she locked her arms around my neck and gave me a kiss, we were in a small room, and everything of this song reminds me of her... This piece of art is what describes our story... Thank You Al...

[@michaelrieger6421]

Your story paints a picture as well as this song does…….

[@gtecconstructionandmainten3039]

One day this song was playing on my local radio station and my mother was baking cookies and every time this song plays I can still smell that vanilla more than 35 years later

[@vladimirgalli3572]

🥰

[@brucelang1201]

Only music can do that

[@abouttime5000]

Just love Al Stewart. Seems like a really positive and fun guy.

[@addison.maddison]

He is! Everything you wouldn't expect in a mega-star. Al acts like a regular guy -- probably because he thinks that he is one.

[@dancan6622]

This should have 19 million views not 19 thousand

[@talkietime6856]

That's how bad it's gotten. People have no taste for good music.

[@ronsnvtn]

Sorry to tell ya, it's actually 1,900 (1.9K)

[@GarthWatkins-th3jt]

It's 327k views and 6.1k likes in the sphere of reality that's relevant - this one. Checked your passport lately? Might be a good idea....

[@jimthompson717]

I just added a like. Hope that helps?

[@frankhurst9665]

One of my all time favorite songs of all time...the intro with all acoustic guitars makes my heart weep!

[@HarryDoldersum]

The Year of the Cat is simply a brilliant album. Love it to bits.

[@REVLIMITER3]

Al Stewart's masterpiece for generations to come

[@abouttime5000]

This song is a work of masterful brilliance. You can actually see the images that he sings. Now that is powerful.

[@fredbentley4944]

I have always thought it to be one of if not the greatest musical composition in rock/pop history. The instrumentation and timing are genius !! Everything about is the sound of art at its finest !

[@casperfriendlyjp]

❤

[@davida9785]

Dear Al, your life is completely justified by creating this wonderful song

[@alexanderwes5204]

Still a beautiful song! And it remains beautiful until the end of time.

[@kathystammen8774]

Been my favorite song since high school. I was 16, still my favorite and I’m 63:)

[@lotsofthisandthat9791]

We’re same age bro and agree. It’s a journey in a song. Never gets old My fav!

[@oaplaffy]

Almost 50 years after, his voice still sounds the same like it was on the original recording. Awesome.

[@RC-Flight]

AHH… the sound of the 70s just love it! I was born in 1962 and remember this song as a young teen. Great memories for sure.

[@ShowBizBlueprint]

Necessary shout out to Dave Nachmanoff on the first-class lead work on this performance. So good!

[@jamesfasulo9801]

I want to say the guitar solo in this performance is so rich, so bold-I wasn’t aware that an acoustic guitar player could generate this many wondrous sounds-amazing!

[@SebTheFrenchGuy]

Never heard "Private Investigation " by Dire Straits or "High Hopes" by Pink Floyd?

[@scottoshea9440]

Yes, that guitar player is amazing. He's clearly been influenced by flamenco, a Spanish style of acoustic guitar playing that's quite good. I'd recommend checking it out

[@frankkolton1780]

Since the advent of digital audio equipment and processors you can get even a steel string acoustic, such as the Martin dread he's using, to sound like a nylon stringed Flamenco guitar, or a banjo, or just about any stringed plucked instrument.

[@tuneyouup]

@@frankkolton1780it’s a oo28 ec not a drea.

[@timmyb6212]

It was cool to hear how Year of the Cat was actually created. What a timeless elegant piece, brilliantly written and produced in a style obviously not for the narrow minded. Many thanks to you and your group for creating such a classic!

[@donnajones1151]

Al Stewart is so talented! Love his music! I grew up in the 70's best music generation ever!

[@AlStewart-1]

Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️❤

[@stevemoore8450]

Dave Nachnomoff is the name of the guitarist on left side of the screen and to Al's right. I saw them perform in Atlanta and Dave is a master of the guitar - he was phenomenal!

[@TheAcorn]

We here at The Acorn concur. What a treat these gentlemen were to have perform their art here in Three Oaks, MI.

[@davidleon3588]

I've seen them here in Washington state and You are correct Dave is a phenomenal 👏

[@frusa1]

Thanks for his name! He rocks it!

[@thirty2wins]

Lets see...strings...sax....electric solo....or Dave! Phenomenal

[@powerpopaholic876]

Agreed! Fantastic guitarist

[@glennaa11]

he's such a great story teller

[@AlStewart-1]

Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️❤

[@plimsoul27]

This was a popular song on the radio when I was a kid...such a great tune...I remember it like it was yesterday...the 70's was such a great time for music...takes me back to a simpler and happier time. Al looks like he's still doing well...and I thank him for his music! Many thanks also for posting this wonderful performance!

[@briany7658]

The seventies and early eighties is the greatest era of music we will ever hear IMHO

[@mobiuspaw494]

Ah, the seventies. Music Joy..

[@scottbrennan7686]

Mr. Stewart seems like such a nice humble human being.😊

[@chrisbowen8290]

Crazy,he sounds pretty much the same.Great voice!Love this tune.

[@olddjfrom77]

Come back to the south Al, we love you!

[@philmorris2673]

His voice hasn't changed :-)

[@tmo-y5b]

Dave Nachmanoff - outstanding guitar accompaniment. Thanks Dave.,

[@16davelle]

Great song and i love the back story to it for in "76" Year of the Cat was one of 2 of my favorite songs with the other one being "Moonlight Feels Right" by Starbuck...kinda gotta flip a coin to decide which to play first.

[@syedzafarahmad5925]

Still-a very vibrant & joyous personality-full of life ❤❤❤

[@stewartmac1]

“Country & Eastern”…brilliant 😀

[@kathystammen8774]

I adore this song - GOAT in my opinion:) Got to see them in Cincinnati last night❤ Was a highlight in my life, perfection:)

[@jacqueline2257]

I was born in 1983 ... and when I was a child, I remember the first time I heard this song in Mexico City. I felt in love with it ever since. ❤🤍 thank you Al.

[@AlStewart-1]

Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️❤

[@BIGeSTRING]

This song made him very very rich, and rightly so because it is a world song. And he still has a pleasant voice to listen to.

[@EssGeeSee]

One of my all-time favourite songs by a guy who looks like my accountant.

[@steveneylon644]

Timeless….Every time I listen, it always feels like the first time I’ve heard it as a teenager.

[@goldenlabradorskye]

Remember listening to this on my walkman in 1977 in my bunk on a Polaris boat on patrol. Brilliant.

[@christocr]

What a gorgeous song. I remember well when it was a huge hit. One of my favorites from the time. It was always the music that drew me to this song, but the lyrics are so "image invoking." Masterful, really.

[@kathrynshelton6892]

This..ls music. Please ... dear Youngins... Listen to real talent ... Do not let this beautiful music fade away.

[@user-ht9ub1gj7g]

Brilliant guy. He can't hit those high notes like he used to, but still an icon. Such beautiful melodies and great lyrics - especially in his story songs about history. So many excellent albums most people have never heard.

[@LinYouToo]

Love his voice, sounds fantastic.

[@Emeritae]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Ilivfrhorrr]

I love you Al Stewart. "The Year of the Cat".

[@v.dargain1678]

It is Chinese astrology year 1975 .

[@Ilivfrhorrr]

I was just saying that I loved the song.

[@terryleewest11]

@@Ilivfrhorrr the year of the cat is actually the year of the rabbit. asian pholosophy as every 12 years is a stress free life. he remained with a prostitute as he missed his bus back to go to war, he stayed with her and evaded the war giving him a stress free year. the year of the cat

[@user-lo1wf9nk4v]

AL Stewart is still awesome and always will be... this unplugged version is fabulous

[@MaxJames-t3v]

❤❤❤❤

[@mikef7619]

Brilliant. First saw him in 1967 in the university of Kent folk club. Still a great fan.

[@jugoldman2230]

I was born 67. And a pen pal who I got writing to sent me an amazing compilation of some rare tracks on a cassette tape in 83. And this was one of the songs. It must have been great to see him live ❤

[@retuerto3]

Al conserve his voice, close my eyes and I am in 1978.

[@annematthews9222]

I fell in love with his music when I was about 18 years old and now I’m 66 and saw him for the first time this week. One of the first things he announced before performing was that he wasn’t feeling well because he may have cracked some ribs. I did some investigation and he had fallen. I don’t know much else. He put on an entire show was his usual humble and amusing storytelling self and he did end with year of the Cat, but not as an encore. There was no encore perhaps because he did not feel well. I do hope he doesn’t retire and that he comes back to my town next year so I can see him once more.

[@carraobeatbox4874]

Now in 2024. Rio de Janeiro with AL

[@damoa7596]

Seen Al Stewart a few times in the UK and have always been a fan. Such a lovely guy who appreciates and engages with audiences - take note Clapton ….

[@garyfredericks814]

I learned a lot of history listening to Al Stewart. I love his music.

[@JoeHammers-v7n]

What great memories this song brings back to light for me.

[@jamesfasulo9801]

This is my 2nd comment about Dave’s guitar playing- You get the sense, from the fullness of his solo -that all the notes he is playing are like hearing a full band of musicians-he’s mastered the guitar like few others-and this is why I can watch and listen over and over and not tire of this wonderful playing

[@allans7281]

Absolutely beautiful song -the ultimate in easy rock!!! Great youthful memories with this tune

[@pattnorton3217]

ABSOLUTELY ADORE THIS SONG AND AL STEWART NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT !!!

[@lizsheasby1914]

Timeless beautiful song! Canada

[@AlStewart-1]

Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️

[@artvandelay1555]

I was thinking the same. His voice has not changed at all! Al had the coolest hair, but you know, hair today gone tomorrow. Love this song. Takes me back. Gave me wanderlust. Thanks Al.

[@cowhanson]

Al and Dave came to the little town of Chatfield mn and played the community theater. Great show and he signed autographs after the show. Still can't believe he came to this little town. Nice gentleman and a great storyteller

[@johnanderson2451]

It never gets old

[@jlgitzel]

I was 13 at the time of the amazing hits of Al Stewart, 1977...unforgetable moments!

[@ag7620]

Never get tired of hearing it.

[@josephinei.6971]

Like this version and Al's annotations very much.

[@thegreenberetlife0191]

This song had such a mysterious tone and is an all time classic!

[@cerati900]

Nice one !!!

[@RS-ji2ui]

Year of the Cat stripped down Fantastic, great Story Al !!

[@terryleewest11]

the year of the cat is actually the year of the rabbit. asian pholosophy as every 12 years is a stress free life. he remained with a prostitute as he missed his bus back to go to war, he stayed with her and evaded the war giving him a stress free year. the year of the cat

[@toober4013]

Al Stewart is so much more. Period.

[@debsmart75]

I loved this back in the 70's and I still love it! Sigh...

[@AlStewart-1]

Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️❤

[@TheRealSnowCat]

I remember singing this song incorrectly as a kid. "You go strolling through the crowd like Pete Tolari contemplating a crime..." It wasn't until I saw one of Peter Lorre's films that the correct name finally dawned on me. (And yes, this was DECADES before Google.)

[@carolhaddox7774]

Lol, I've thought all these years he was saying Itolari. I assumed it was the name of a Greek mythological type character. You have saved me from embarrassing myself by singing it that way ever again.

[@davidm5707]

For a cat person like me, every year is the Year of the Cat. Which makes this my favorite song!

[@terryleewest11]

the year of the cat is actually the year of the rabbit. asian pholosophy as every 12 years is a stress free life. he remained with a prostitute as he missed his bus back to go to war, he stayed with her and evaded the war giving him a stress free year. the year of the cat

[@pennykattack5789]

It's much more intense than the studio version. Unable to put it down in words right now, but.. Boy what a song and what a performance. Congratulations, Sir.

[@jeffmoxness5295]

Awesome Classic thnx Al……..👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸America loves you!

[@geoffjoffy]

What a very nice, modest man.

[@markmessonnier7343]

Year of the Cat is one of my "desert island" albums. I was fortunate to hear Al Stewart live at a local venue about ten years ago. Thank goodness!

[@jondeitch7884]

In the original recording, the transition between the solo instruments is just fantastic.

[@ladybug6005]

You still have that great voice. 👍

[@jorgearenascortes7677]

Thanks for this unique song...Eternal World Heritage of course Mister Al...!!!!... Greetings from Medellin, Colombia!!!

[@andrelevesque2405]

Stewart gave this song time to breathe, to develop and to bring us in. Timeless.

[@lloydwright8977]

I saw them in Vegas the guy that was playing with him was fantastic. One of those great nights to remember.

[@bizydad711]

I received this album as a gift back in the day, I didn't know then who Al Stewart was, but the album became a favorite that I played over and over again.

[@vilmabarrera351]

Is very british, beatiful song I love Al Stewart. Thank you for this video

[@AlStewart-1]

Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️❤

[@russhouldin5774]

Thanks. This reminds me of the first time I saw Al at Bristol's Colston He was the complete entertainer. Storyteller, comedian, musician, songwriter and singer. His big song at the time was "Love Chronicles" with the memorable line "Instead of plucking/ the fruits of the bed was enough/it became less like fucking/ and more like making love'. He played an instrumental "Room of roots" which introduced me to the works of Mervyn Peake, which remain among the best Ive read. I was delighted when Year of the Cat propelled him to more general fame.

[@cjinbama]

Love it. Al, that is one of the best in history, in my opinion.

[@peleador8856]

Obra de Arte...dela Instrumentación más hermosa que oyeron mis años enel mundo👏🎊

[@bjohns58]

I was a teen when this came out. Such great memories love this song!

[@AuthorLaurieAnnSmith]

This song is a masterpiece!!! I loved it then and I love it now!!

[@RickWDonovan]

Thank you Al Stewart for your many years of inspiring and extremely progressive and undeniably and well planned in fact brilliant ... heart felt music that you shared with all of us worldwide

[@davidmartin3468]

A fan for years. I remember one concert in Leamington Spa, around 1973/5, when the young Al announced that one of his guitar strings had broken and there was no spare. No support or ‘roadies’ then, and the end of the concert.

[@maria3845]

One of my favorite song thank you Al Stewart

[@sootysrehab3401]

The best acoustic guitarist ever, his lyrics are pure poetry, never made it to mainstream, but who cares? the geezer was a genuis & has a good following

[@rwi8406]

Al is a remarkable songwriter and performer. I've seen him a number of times, the 1st in Miami around the time Past, Present & Future was released. He played Roads to Moscow with a B&W slideshow of scenes from WWII behind him. Incredibly moving. Skip forward about 30 years and I starting catching performances in the Atlanta area, some solo and some with Dave Nachmanoff. Dave is an incredibly talented musician, a fabulous guitar player, writer and vocalist. Both are incredibly humble as well. If you ever have the opportunity to see either or both of them, don't pass it up.

[@williamsaluzzi937]

Seen al 7 times, hope there is more. Once with Dave.

[@pannekoekmix-13]

Goosebumps

[@davidrenner6459]

What a great rendition. Fantastic guitar playing. I love hearing how songs came about. Mr. Stewart is a true treasure.

[@hermyjack]

Al Stewart is absolutely adorable! And the song? I can't believe I've missed it all these years!

[@madmextupapa]

Wow!!

[@5saxman7]

Wow, that’s some amazing guitar work.

[@stevencohn922]

The music of this song is spectacular in the original recording! Great stuff!

[@frankiarmzbinetti1634]

I heard it when it first was played on the radio , bought the album and continue to enjoy this song as if hearing it for the first time every time.

[@gkr2424]

I’ve seen Al and Dave play twice, first time was in the mid 90’s at freight and salvage in Berkeley, I think it was one of the first times Al had Dave in the band. So about 25 years, I love their show!

[@tawwababloch6770]

As I was watching this, i wondered then it was recorded. I wished I could hear them at the Freight!

[@giancarlopeddio8629]

Meravigliosa❤ Wonderful version... Thank you Al and Your friends....Very very good❤ The music of my twenty years....